AFL 2 years ago

Round 14: Team Forecast

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Marco Paparone of the Lions is tackled by Nick Vlastuin of the Tigers during the round five AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Richmond Tigers at The Gabba on April 17, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The Tigers will undoubtedly be refreshed after the bye in the previous round and ready to take on Brisbane this Saturday afternoon. It is feasible that the subsequent team line-up for the game will remain relatively unchanged; especially given the VFL side had the second of three byes in the previous round as well.

The one obvious omission from the game will be Daniel Rioli, as he is given leave by the Club to return home to attend the funeral of his grandfather. This leaves a spot open for an on-ball player to come into the team in his absence. Just who this player will be remains undetermined at this stage, but could very well be Nick Vlastuin. The defender missed the game against Gold Coast due to concussion, but has recovered during the mid-season break. He could be a direct swap of sorts with Rioli given he has made a successful move to the midfield previously this season and he was also a midfielder when he captained Vic Metro prior to arriving at Richmond no less. It is expected that Rioli will only miss the one match though, so what happens beyond the Brisbane game will be interesting with both Vlastuin and Rioli part of the team’s best 22.

However, other players that play a more consistent role in the midfield are available for selection this week – Jacob Townsend and Connor Menadue. Both have been playing at VFL level in recent weeks and may earn themselves a senior recall for the game.